“There are debates about, well, maybe people should say, ‘All lives matter.’ Of course, all lives matter. Everyone understands that. But the problem historically has been that certain segments of our society have been disenfranchised and when it’s time for them to speak up about it, it shouldn’t be marginalized.” –Captain Rod Green, Kauai Police Dept.1
Lady Justice is a symbol of American Jurisprudence found on the outsides—and insides– of courtrooms across America. She is depicted as a blindfolded woman, with a set of scales held high in her right hand, and a sword pointing downward in her left. She is standing on a snake that rests on a book, each item symbolizing an aspect of impartial justice. Inscribed are the words “fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favor, greed, or prejudice.”2
The murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, who pinned him under his knee for almost 9 minutes—the final 3 of which he was unresponsive– while 3 MPD officers stood by or participated, was an act of vigilantism. Our own eyes saw deadly force used against a man already in handcuffs, heard his pleas to breathe, saw bystanders crying for mercy. Our own eyes saw a brutal display of unnecessary deadly force.
Mass protests erupted against police brutality, against the callous taking of human life by those sworn to serve and protect, against the systemic racism that allows these perversions of justice to grow unimpeded.
These mass protests remind us all that we have rights which are granted by the US Constitution. These rights are not a partisan promise. They are the bedrock of a free people, granted without fear or favor.
AMENDMENT I, THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.3
“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay.”
–Maya Angelou
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
DAILY PRACTICE
Loving Kindness Meditations offer love and care to others and ourselves in equal measure. Practicing LKM is fuel for compassion and care. Click below for a free LKM.
Resources
- Why Loving Kindness Takes Time: Sharon Salzberg
- Loving Kindness Meditation (MP3 Audio)
- Guided Meditation – “Loving Kindness” (22:10 min): Tara Brach
- Loving Kindness Meditation to Develop Mindfulness and Compassion (YouTube)
- Guided Meditation – Loving Kindness (YouTube)
- These Kauai Cops Are Tired Of Racist Police Killings, Too
- Meaning of Lady Justice Symbol
- U.S. Constitution Amendment I